>Neuroengineering

12. Neuroengineering :

In the world of science there are always new and more advanced technologies introduced on an ongoing basis. A very popular topic of interest today is called neuro-engineering. Moving our brains beyond the connection it has to the body and extending its limitations by the use of computers is the idea behind neuro-engineering (Singer, 2007). A computerized brain chip that could make things happen with just thinking it. How could this ever be possible? The research that has been done thus far has proven that at a biological level, it can be done and is being done. As always, advances in such technologies have their pros and cons. We are no where near ready to begin experimenting with this type of technology but, extensive research has already proven that there are many possibilities. These possibilities could better the quality of life in humans.

How It Works
The more popular technology researched in the field of neuro-ngineering is Brain-Computer Interfacing. In one-way BCI, computers either accept commands from the brain or send signals to it (for example, to restore vision) but not both (Gibb, 2004). Two-way, BCI would allow brains and external devices to exchange information in both directions but have yet to be successfully implanted in animals or humans.

There are two major levels these interfaces apply to: peripheral, which are prosthetic limbs, and neural, where a specific computer chip is placed into contact with the brain. “A recent breakthrough in brain-interfacing described research in which monkeys controlled a robotic arm with thought alone” (Gibb, 2004).
What It Solves
Neural engineering is a discipline that uses engineering techniques to understand,repair, replace, enhance, or treat the diseases of neural systems. Neural engineers are uniquely qualified to solve design problems at the interface…
Source:http://www.oppapers.com/essays/Neuroengineering/192618